Abuse allegations going back 60 years to be handed to Scottish police

Unreported allegations of clerical sexual abuse in Scotland will be handed over to the police as part of a review of complaints going back 60 years, write Brian Morton and Christopher Lamb.

Scottish dioceses and religious orders are opening up their files on abuse complaints stretching back to 1947 as part of a shake-up of safeguarding in the Church.

The process requires them to document each abuse allegation and make clear whether or not they reported it to the police. 

“All cases will be reviewed,” a church spokesman said. “If any are found not to have been referred to the police or the authorities, then they will be now, no matter how old they are or who was involved.”

He added that reporting the allegations could open new ­criminal investigations.

The process of looking at allegations has already started and is due to conclude towards the end of the year. An independent commission into church child protection procedures is also under way, led by Dr Andrew McLellan, former moderator of the Church of Scotland. It is expected to report in spring 2015.